What's Not Normal?

[4mydogs 10]

I'm 5 days post op and thought I would feel great by now.

I'm very sore on my left side and the gas pain is unbearable at times. My daughter drove me 7 miles to the drug store for more gas x, after that small trip I decided there is no way I can return to my desk job Tuesday. I work 1 hour away. I have no fever, no nausea, and as long as I take it easy I can manage the pain without Meds, however I have developed diarrehea ( sp?). And occasionally get just a tad lightheaded for a split second. Should I be worried?

[Lissa 2,631]

Sounds like my recovery process. Do you have pain meds? Are you using them? There are NO awards for not using the pain meds. Take them if you need them. To help with the gas, you need to be walking, even if all you can manage to go up and down the hallway slowly, it helps push out some of the gas used during surgery. The diarrhea is pretty normal since all you're taking in is liquids. liquids in, liquids out. Lightheadedness could be caused by the pain meds, by the gas, or just because you're not getting in much in the way of food. It could also be cause by Rx meds. Are you on meds for BP or diabetes? If so, a call to your doctor is in order. They may want you to slow down or discontinue those meds.

Soreness on the left side is probably normal surgical pain. That's where the incision is that was used to remove the stomach for most doctors.

If you develop fever, nausea, or other signs of infection, go to the doctor immediately, but right now you sound about normal for being only a few days post op. Take your pain meds, walk as much as you can, try to get in your Water (sip, sip, sip) and relax.

Good luck!!

[NancyJerry 139]

I had 13 days off before going back to work. I know a lot of people here go back much faster than that and while I'd say I had an "easy" recovery with next to NO complications, my mind, body and soul appreciated the time off for recovery.

Good luck!!

[Allie ALii 60]

it sounds normal to me, walk as much as you can, it will make you feel a 100x better, i know you may not be in the mood to, but it really realives the gas and pressure and take the pain meds, there is no reason not to

[4mydogs 10]

THANKS FOR THE REPLY EVERYONE.

I took your advice and had some pain Meds. I feel better. I was just being a worry wart. I have a history of infections after surgery. Doc said everything went well it just took 2 hour because of scar tissue. Maybe that's why the pain and gas is so bad. I'm walking on the treadmill several times per day. It helps. I'm so looking toward to some scrambled eggs. Lol.

[Allie ALii 60]

i'm so happy you are better!

and that what we all are here for to help and ask

i was in here asking away all day the first days because everything was so new to me, so feel free to do so, this forum is full of amazing people

[5DoxieMom 87]

4mydogs....try using a heating pad on your belly. For me that really helped with that deep pain on the left side. I, too, was quite uncomfortable for almost 4 weeks after surgery. I always found myself doing too much, and by night time, boy I really needed the heating pad. Good luck, hang in there.

[thewinds 7]

4mydogs....try using a heating pad on your belly. For me that really helped with that deep pain on the left side. I' date=' too, was quite uncomfortable for almost 4 weeks after surgery. I always found myself doing too much, and by night time, boy I really needed the heating pad. Good luck, hang in there.[/quote']

As I read this Monday is my four week mark I sit here with a heating pad on my belly for my left side is tender still a little bit.